Fear Free & Cooperative care at Kowhai Vet
At Kowhai Vet, we believe that veterinary visits should be positive experiences for pets and their people. That’s why we’ve adopted Fear Free and Cooperative Care practices throughout our clinic — to reduce stress, build trust, and support lifelong wellbeing.
Why Fear Free Matters
Veterinary visits can sometimes be stressful for animals. Fear, anxiety, and stress don’t just affect behaviour — they also impact physical health and can make care more difficult. Our goal is to change the veterinary experience for pets by making visits calmer, safer, and more enjoyable.
Fear Free and Cooperative Care techniques empower pets to feel more in control, creating positive associations with their healthcare. This leads to better long-term outcomes and a stronger bond between you, your pet, and our team.
Our Approach at Kowhai Vet
- Fear Free handling: We use gentle techniques, treats, and patience to reduce stress at every step.
- Cooperative care training: We can work with you to teach your pet skills like standing on scales, accepting handling, or wearing a muzzle calmly.
- Tailored environments: From quiet waiting spaces to pheromone diffusers, we design our clinic to feel welcoming and safe.
- Pre-visit support: For anxious pets, we may recommend pre-visit medication or home strategies to set them up for success.
- Team commitment: All of our staff are trained in Fear Free principles and continually update their skills.
The Benefits of Fear Free Care
By prioritising emotional wellbeing, we see:
- Pets that are calmer, happier, and healthier during visits.
- Reduced risk of injury or stress-related illness.
- More accurate assessments and smoother procedures.
- Stronger trust between pets, owners, and the veterinary team.
- Long-term positive associations with veterinary care.
Fear Free Resources
We’ve gathered helpful resources to support Fear Free care at home and during clinic visits.
At Kowhai Vet, we’re committed to caring for your pet’s mind as well as their body. If you’d like to learn more about Fear Free or how to support your pet, please ask our team — we’d love to help.